RAD51: Beyond the break

Isabel E Wassing; Fumiko Esashi

doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.08.010

RAD51: Beyond the break

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2021 May:113:38-46. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.08.010. Epub 2020 Sep 13.

Authors

Isabel E Wassing¹, Fumiko Esashi²

Affiliations

¹ Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
² Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Electronic address: fumiko.esashi@path.ox.ac.uk.

Abstract

As the primary catalyst of homologous recombination (HR) in vertebrates, RAD51 has been extensively studied in the context of repair of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs). With recent advances in the understanding of RAD51 function extending beyond DSBs, the importance of RAD51 throughout DNA metabolism has become increasingly clear. Here we review the suggested roles of RAD51 beyond HR, specifically focusing on their interplay with DNA replication and the maintenance of genomic stability, in which RAD51 function emerges as a double-edged sword.

Keywords: Double-stranded DNA breaks; Fork protection; Homologous recombination; RAD51; Replicative stress.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded
Genomic Instability / genetics*
Humans
Rad51 Recombinase / metabolism*

Substances

RAD51 protein, human
Rad51 Recombinase

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Grants and funding